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August 13, 2026 Public, Non-Public & Facilities Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.pdf

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Berlin Public Schools
183 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH 03570
Telephone: 603/752-6500; FAX: 603/752-2528

Climbing to achieve academic excellence for college and career
readiness for all students.

Berlin Board of Education Public Meeting Minutes
August 13, 2026 - 6:00 PM
BMHS Library - 550 Willard St.
Berlin, NH 03570

Board Members Present: Matthew Buteau, Chair; Eamon Kelley, Vice Chair; Deb Foss, Secretary;
Mark Evans; Amy Poirier

Board Members Absent: All Present

Administration: Tammy Fauteux, Superintendent; Evan Arsenault, Business Administrator; Michele
Lamphere, HR Advocate; Autie Hamilton, IT Director; Jason Annis, Building & Grounds Director; Erika
Proulx, Special Education Director; Craig Melanson, BHS Athletic Director; Sandy Pouliot, BES
Assistant Principal; Paula Frank, BES Principal; Dawn Giliatt, Grant Project Manager; Danielle
Demers, CTE Director

Guests and Public: Lisa Connell; Kirk Parent; William Glover; Lisa Connell; Peter Higbee; Jen
Buteau; Kristi O’Shea; Suzanne Styles; Renney Morneau; Julia Sullivan; Margo Sullivan

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Matthew Buteau, Board Chair

Approval of Minutes: July 21, 2026 - Public Meeting Minutes, Nonpublic Meeting Minutes, and
Facilities Subcommittee :

Before a motion was made, Matthew Buteau stated that he felt the agenda for the July 21, 2026
Board Meeting was not specific regarding the mural painting and was listed only as a “painting
project.” He felt that was misleading.

A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to approve the public meeting
minutes and nonpublic meeting minutes dated July 1, 2026, and the Nonpublic meeting minutes
dated May 21, 2026. Allin favor, motion carried.

Approval of Warrants dated 8/16/26 & 8/17/26: A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded
by Deb Foss to approve the warrant dated 8/16/26 in the amount of $32,167.01 and the warrant
dated 8/17/26 in the amount of $958,344.37. A motion was made by Mark Evans to approve the
warrants as presented, seconded by Def Foss. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.

Comments from the Public:


Julia Sullivan, Berlin, NH- Unhappy about painting the murals as she was in school when they were
painted. Some of her classmates painted them.

Margo Sullivan, Berlin, NH - Class of 1974 painted the murals. She agrees with her mother's
statement. She went to the school as a student. She thinks it’s important to build on it and improve it.
Post-World War II babies painted it. Students could put murals on the bottom of the walls. She
stated that we underestimate our children, and this should give us opportunities to speak to them
about what it is and have a dialogue. She is willing to be involved and help with anything.

Kirk Parent, Berlin, NH - Agrees with all of the prior comments.

William Glover, Berlin, NH - Will the murals be part of the tour? The board answered yes.

Jen Buteau, High Street, Berlin, NH - Supports the historical maintenance of the murals. She stated
the meeting minutes have not been updated since June 4, 2026, and that school board members are
not listed on the website. She stated that the website is not easy to navigate and the agenda should
be promoted more, including Facebook.

Approval of Bus Driver Substitute Rate: Evan Arsenault, Business Administrator, presented the
rate increase for substitute bus drivers. The proposed increase was from $20.00 per hour to $20.80
per hour. The hope was that the increase would help retain our sub drivers by keeping compensation
competitive. Matthew Buteau asked what the effect of a critical shortage of bus drivers is. Craig
Melanson stated that if there are no drivers, athletes don’t go to games. Discussion followed.
Matthew Buteau, Board Chair, moved to set the substitute bus driver hourly rate at $23.00 per hour;
the motion failed. A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Eamon Kelley to accept the
proposed rate increase to $20.80 per hour. Roll call vote: Eamon Kelley, yes; Deb Foss, yes;
Matthew Buteau, no; Mark Evans, yes; Amy Poirier, yes. Motion carried.

Feasibility Study Discussion and Approval:

Superintendent Fauteux is proposing a feasibility study to explore ways to enhance educational
opportunities and outcomes across the Androscoggin Valley.

Mark Evans asked about the cost; Superintendent Fauteux stated that she is working on securing
grant funding to support this project.

A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to approve moving forward with
the feasibility study contingent upon grant funding. On a roll call vote, ail in favor; motion carried.

Review of “updates on Federal Grant Allocations”:

Superintendent Fauteux presented the informational packet with the grant award information and
updates on changes that the New Hampshire Education Department forwarded from the US
Department of Education. This packet included reminders and a list of adjustments, laws, and
policies. Some discussion followed.

NWEA Fusion Conference update from BES: Paula Frank, BES Principal, gave a briefing on the
NWEA Fusion Conference. Eight BES staff members attended the conference, which was paid for by
agrant. Principal Frank explained the conference's purpose. BES Assistant Principal Sandy Pouliot
said the conference was a real eye-opening experience that helped better understand all the data
points provided by these assessments. Mark Evans asked if this is only an elementary school event,
and Assistant Principal Pouliot stated it is a K-12 conference and they are hoping the higher grade
level staff will attend as well.


Policies:

Review updates and Revisions:
e AC-Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity Employment and District
Anti-Discrimination Plan with
o AC-R3 Draft Anti-Discrimination Plan

A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to approve policy AC revision as
presented. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried. A motion was made by Mark Evans and
seconded by Deb Foss to approve AC-R3 draft as presented. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion
carried.

e ACA- Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure
A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to approve policy ACA revision
as presented. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.

e DAF - Administration of Federal Grant Funds
A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to approve policy DAF revision
as presented. On a roll call vote, ail in favor; motion carried.

e EEAG - Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Students
A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to approve the revision of policy
EEAG as edited, striking the reference to vehicle inspections. On a roll call vote, all in favor, motion
carried.

e JLCG-R - Exclusion Of Students From School For Illness
A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to approve the revision to policy
JLCG-R as presented. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.

First Reading/First Review:
e@ EEAG-R(1) - Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Students - Statement of
Insurance on Private Vehicles

A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to approve the first reading of
recommendation EEAG-R(1). On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.

e EEBA - Vehicle Operation Safety Policy
A motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Eamon Kelley to approve the first reading of
policy ECAF, striking the reference to the minimum age of 21 requirement. On a roll call vote, all in
favor; motion carried.

Second Reading:
o ECAF - Surveillance And Other Audio Or Video Recording By The District Or
District Personnel
A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to approve the second reading of
policy ECAF. On a roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.

Rescind
o EEAA- Video and Audio Surveillance on School Property - Rescind with
adoption of ECAF
A motion was made by Eamon Kelley and seconded by Mark Evans to rescind policy EEAA. Ona
roll call vote, all in favor; motion carried.


Superintendent’s Report:

Traffic Lights/Signage: Superintendent Fauteux had a meeting with the city departments including
the police chief; the non-operating traffic light can be removed, as there are two signs in view stating
the school zone speed limit. Some discussion followed and we will work on getting that removed.
Joint School Board Meeting: The SAU#3 and SAU#20 joint school board meeting will be held on
October 15, 2026, at Milan Village School. Superintendent Fauteux proposed moving the
subcommittee meeting to the 1st meeting in October.

Painting Projects: There is a new mural in the hallway of Door B, and it looks great. She thanked
Deb Foss and all the volunteers who helped out. Deb Foss is hoping it will be done in time for the
start of school. The superintendent stated there is more than one mural and acknowledged
community concerns about the mural outside of the auditorium at BES and new ones being painted
(in other areas of BES). She hears the passion from some of the public and wants to do something
the right way and is looking at different plans. She has heard calls, emails, and letters, and her goal
is to hear from people, talk to people, and brainstorm ideas.

Matthew Buteau spoke up during the superintendent's report to say that everybody he is hearing from
is opposed to painting over the murals and that it needs to be taken care of even if it gets covered.
Eamon Kelley applauded Deb Foss for the work she’s doing and said that in 2018 the same concerns
were brought forward; however, he noted that this cannot be a burden to students, staff, or families.
He said passionate people should come up with a solution to support conservation and make the
school more appropriate and inviting for elementary students. Mr. Kelley also spoke with a State of
NH conservationist who suggested that there may be grants that the historical society can apply for to
help with such a project. He said a deadline should be given for action by June 1, 2027, and then
re-access the situation. Amy Poirier stated the murals are not appropriate, and she’s heard from
many people who think they are inappropriate for an elementary school, and we have to do
something about it. We want the school to be inviting. Mark Evans stated that the superintendent's
report was interrupted, that this discussion was not on the agenda, and that it should not go any
further. If more discussion is needed, it should be added to the next agenda.

School Opening: Buildings are looking fabulous, and Superintendent Fauteux thanked the
custodians. Deb Foss thanked Jason Annis and his crew for all of their help with the painting project.
Day one of school is also the day of the school board meeting.

Board emails: Board emails are on the website. We may be changing the email format so people
who share a first initial and last name are not confused. Autie Hamilton suggested that the board
have an extension using the 6500 number where residents could call. Superintendent and IT Director
will work on updating Board email addresses and getting them phone extensions where constituents
can leave voice messages for them.

Comments from the public:

Renney Morneau, 185 Howard St., Berlin - Mr. Morneau wanted the board to know that the historical
society is willing and looking forward to working with the board on the mural project.

Jen Buteau: Hasn't heard anything negative from children. She expressed that their questions could
be used as learning opportunities.

New Business/Member Comments:


Deb Foss would like an update on the lower parking lot lighting from Andy Rancloes at the next
meeting.

Nonpublic Session: On a motion made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to enter
non-public session under Section a & b, on a roll-call vote, all voted in favor. The Board entered a
non-public session at 7:45 pm.

A motion was made by Mark Evans, seconded by Amy Poirier, to exit the non-public session at
8:04 pm. Roll call, all in favor; motion carried.

Staffing:
No staffing to approve.

Staffing that was reviewed (previously approved):
Aimee Lavoie - Paraprofessional

Elizabeth Youtt - Grade 6 Math Teacher

Jacqueline Young - Title | Paraprofessional

Christine Lemoine - Middle School School Counselor

Nominations/renominations (not needing approval):
Cassandra Lacasse - Middle School Cross Country Coach
Travis Houle Head Coach- Boys Varsity Soccer

Jon Lam First Assistant/JV Coach-Boys Soccer

Robert Lord Boys & Girls Varsity Cross Country

Nicole Arguin, Head Coach- Varsity Field Hockey

Paul Arguin First Assistant/JV Coach- Field Hockey

Peter Peare Head Coach- Girls Varsity Soccer

Kaylee Lamontange, First Assistant/JV Coach-Girls Soccer
Ryan Goulet Head Coach-Esports

A Motion was made by Mark Evans and seconded by Eamon Kelley to adjourn the meeting at 8:05
pm. All in favor; motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Ont

“QU 100A

Deb Foss

Secretary, Berlin Board of Education


Berlin Public Schools
183 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH 03570
Telephone: 603/752-6500; FAX: 603/752-2528

Climbing to achieve academic excellence for college and career
readiness for all students.

Berlin Board of Education Meeting Minutes
Nonpublic Session
August 13, 2026
Berlin Middle High School Library
550 Willard Street
Berlin, NH

Board Members Present: Matthew Buteau, Chair; Eamon Kelley, Vice Chair; Mark Evans; Deb Foss,
Secretary; Amy Poirier

Board Members Absent:

Administration: Tammy Fauteux, Superintendent; Evan Arsenault, Business Administrator

Nonpublic

On a motion made by Mark Evans and seconded by Amy Poirier to enter non-public session under
Section a & b, on a roll-call vote, all voted in favor. The Board entered a non-public session at 7:45
pm.

e A former staff member's concerns about social media posts was discussed
e Staffing was discussed

A motion was made by Mark Evans, seconded by Eamon Kelley, to exit the non-public session at
8:04 pm. Roll call, all in favor; motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Deb Feg0

Deb Foss
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education

(a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him,
unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. (b) The hiring
of any person as a public employee. (c) Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely adversely affect the reputation of any person, other than a member of
the body or agency itself, unless such person requests an open meeting.


Berlin Public Schools
183 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH 03570

Telephone: 603/752-6500; FAX: 603/752-2528

Climbing to achieve academic excellence for college and career
readiness for all students.

Facilities Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
August 13, 2026
Berlin Middle High School Library
550 Willard Street
Berlin, NH

Board Members Present: Matthew Buteau, Board Chair; Eamon Kelley, Vice Chair; Deb Foss,
Secretary; Amy Poirier

Board Members Absent: All Present.

Administration: Tammy Fauteux, Superintendent; Evan Arsenault, Business Administrator; Michele
Lamphere, HR Advocate; Autie Hamilton, IT Director; Jason Annis, Building & Grounds Director

Guests: Kirk Parent; William Glover; Michael Poulin, Peter Higbee
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM by Amy Poirier, Committee Chair

Superintendent Tammy Fauteux introduced BHS Physical Education teacher Michael Poulin as part
of the building committee.

2. Building Priorities:

The committee discussed the condition of the school facilities. Eamon Kelley asked what the biggest
priority was. Jason Annis, Building & Grounds Director, stated that we need a new elementary school
and hopes that administration will take steps towards that. Superintendent Fauteux discussed the
building assessment and will share the packet with the board. Eamon Kelley asked Jason Annis if
the elementary school roof was an immediate need. Jason Annis said there are many immediate
needs; everything is very old, and the building was not meant to be an elementary school.
Superintendent Fauteux stated the last amount noted on the CIP was $ 1.8 million. The discussion
continued on the urgency of the needs. Jason Annis noted that quotes are not good for very long.
Kirk Parent, a Berlin resident, is a licensed contractor and offered to help obtain quotes and with any
building work.

An Equal Opportunity Employer


3. Capital Improvements: Superintendent Fauteux stated that capital improvements can not be put
on hold any longer. The request is due in November-December, and she will add this topic to the
next sub-committee meeting agenda. Eamon Kelley suggested that people tour the buildings in the
evening, as it would be a good way for people to understand and see the issues re: bathrooms,
classrooms, and other issues. Superintendent Fauteux suggested a walk-through before the
November subcommittee meeting. William Glover asked if residents would be allowed to participate.
Superintendent Fauteux said she will look into it and share information once tour dates are chosen.

4, Other: Eamon Kelly brought forward a concern from residents living around the High Street gym
entrance to BES. He said that when athletic events are held in the winter, individuals park in front of
residents' driveways, which is problematic. He is discussing this with the city to see if signage would
help, as well as snow removal.

5. Adjournment

The Policy Subcommittee adjourned at 5:58 pm.

Deb Foss, Secretary